Top Things To Do in Berlin

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Best things to do during your stay in Berlin

The vibrant city of Berlin is nothing if not diverse. You can spend your mornings shopping in designer stores, eating traditional food at the top of TV Tower and walking around the biggest zoo in Germany. Then, have an afternoon filled with history at Museum Island, walking along the Berlin Wall or exploring Jewish history at the Holocaust Memorial.

With so many amazing things to do in Berlin, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top things to do during your stay in the magical city of Berlin.

1. Get lost in the history on Museum Island

This wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled in the middle of the Spree river, and for all history or art lovers, it’s an absolute must see while in Berlin. Museum Island is home to five of Berlin’s most important museums, however, if you only have a little time, the outstanding Pergamonmuseum is not to be missed. This fantastic building is one of the top archaeological museums in the world, and with its displays on Pergamon, Rome, Babylon, Islam and even King Nebuchadnezzar, it’s not hard to see why.

2. Walk the Berlin Wall

Although most of the famous Berlin Wall was demolished in 1990, there are still some fascinating sections still intact. Visit the famous Checkpoint Charlie, once the city’s east-west border control, and now a tourist centre for all things Berlin Wall. Check out the amazing displays depicting the entire history, from build to destruction.

If you’re looking for a more up close and personal experience, you can walk an intact section of the wall over by the Spree. Paying a visit to the East Side Gallery in the middle of this section is absolutely one of the top things to do in Berlin. Here you can see tonnes of artwork from many local and international artists, including the famous “brotherly kiss.”

3. Explore Berlin’s Jewish history

No trip to Berlin is complete without learning about its rich and turbulent Jewish History. Whether you’re a history buff or someone who truly likes to get to know a city, a visit to the Jüdisches Museum or the thought-provoking Holocaust Memorial is an absolute must. The museum was originally designed by a very controversial artist, Daniel Libeskind, to look like an exploding Star of David. So, not only do you get to enjoy the artefacts and documents inside the museum, but the actual space is an experience in itself. For a much more enveloping view of Jewish history, visit the emotional Holocaust Memorial. Arranged across the area of a Jewish housing block, the 2,711 blocks stand as a reminder for the murdered European Jews during WWII.

4. Go for a spin in TV Tower

Built in the 1960s, this 368m high tower is actually the tallest structure in Germany. The impressive stainless steel sphere on the top of the Fernsehturm, or TV Tower, is both an observation deck and a wonderful restaurant. Head on up to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in Berlin. On clear days, you can see up to 42 kilometres over this magical city, or you can choose to enjoy a delicious meal while gazing down at the city lights in the evening.

5. Try a traditional Currywurst

Probably number 1 of the top 10 things to do in Berlin is to gobble down a Currywurst. For those of you who have visited the city before, I’m sure your mouth is watering just from reading the name. This traditional treat is made from a hot German sausage cut into slices and then lavished with a mix of ketchup and curry powder. This magical creation can be eaten on its own, but it most commonly served on bread roll or a bed of fries. While everyone has their favorite spot in Berlin to buy a Currywurst, our favourite is Konnopke’s Imbiss, which has been serving up Currywurst since 1930.

6. Gaze upon the Brandenburg Gate

The magnificent Brandenburger Tor is an icon of the city of Berlin and is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. Built over 300 years ago, Brandenburg Gate has served many different purposes. It has been a symbol of war, victory, terror, peace, and since 1989, it has stood for the union of Germany. Although many people visit this famous landmark in the day, seeing it all lit up at night with fewer crowds is an absolute must do while in Berlin.

7. Go Wild at Zoologischer Garten

From family outings to romantic dates, a visit to Zoologischer Garten & Aquarium is one of the top things to do while in Berlin. This wonderful zoo is the oldest in all of Germany and is home to over 16,000 animals, consisting of around 1,500 different species. Built to raise morale during World War II, Berlin zoo is now an important scientific resource. On the cooler days, pay a visit to the amazing new aquarium, where you can walk among crocodiles, sharks, exotic fish, amphibians and fascinating ultraviolet creatures.

8. Shop ‘till you drop in Kurfürstendamm

Everyone knows that Europe is the place to go when you want to shop, and at Kurfürstendamm, you’ll find everything your shopaholic heart desires. This long avenue of shops sells everything from vintage bargains and outstanding outlets to big brands and designer goods. Walk around Alexanderplatz for a vast number of bargains and vintage steals, and explore Colours Kleidermarkt on Bergmannstraße for pay by weight gems. Or, for even more of a shopping splurge, visit Europe’s largest department store, KaDeWe with its 7,000 square meters of designer brands.